The Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Antimicrobial Stewardship: Recommendations from the Global Chief Medical Officers' Network

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. If allowed to increase at the current rate, AMR could kill an estimated 10 million people per year and cost society approximately 100-200 trillion USD globally by 2050. The slow development of novel antimicrobials further exacerbates the problem. Most human antibiotic use occurs in homes and workplaces, where antibioticresistant infections may contribute to diminished performance and loss of work productivity. Employers in the private sector have the ability to reach large populations of employees and their families, raise awareness about AMR, and promote antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among their workforce. The authors describe 4 steps a company can take to help advance AMS: (1) sign the AMR Pledge, (2) perform a gap analysis, (3) implement and/or modify standard practices, and (4) measure and report outcomes. Real-world examples are provided, including barriers faced, in order to successfully implement initiatives to promote better AMS. Behavioral methods to influence change in the workplace are also presented. Both large and small companies can make a difference to support responsible use of antibiotics and improve the health and well-being of their employees.

Effectiveness of a polyhexamethylene biguanide-containing wound cleansing solution using experimental biofilm models

“…11 At the current rate of resistance progression, it is estimated that AMR could kill an estimated 10 million people per year and cost in the region of 100-200 trillion USD globally by 2050. 73 The WHO has warned that AMR may pose a worldwide disaster during our lifetime, leading to the incapacitation or death of numerous individuals due to formerly simple infections becoming more complex. 74 As a consequence of AMR, it has been stated that current antibiotics may become ineffective within 20 years.…”

Developing Adult Vaccination Ecosystem in India: Current Perspective and the Way Forward

“…Creating Opportunities for Vaccine Access Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, wellness centers, and annual health checks can significantly promote people's access to vaccination. 58 In addition, advising specific vaccination before major surgeries or procedures improves access. For example, a patient undergoing cochlear implants is recommended pneumococcal vaccines to prevent infections and reduce the length of hospital stay.…”

Policy entrepreneurs are integral in efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance in low and middle income countries

“…Also when political will is present it fosters engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships between LMIC governments and the private sector (27)(28)(29)(30). Such partnerships allow LMIC governments to leverage on key strengths of the private sector (e.g., technical expertise, capacity building, infrastructure, and financing) to curb AMR (31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40). It is therefore necessary to build political will to curb AMR in LMICs (5, 6, 8-10, 26, 29, 30, 40, 41).…”